Potential impact of the advanced trauma life support (ATLS). Program in a Third World country

Data from Trinidad and Tobago suggest there is a positive role for the ATLS program in Third World countries. Between 1970-1979 traffic accidents increased from 16,433 to 28,003 while deaths increased from 179 to 252 per year. Sixty-nine per cent of deaths were adult males mainly between 20-30 years old and most fatal accidents occurred between 6:00 and 10:00 p.m. particularly on weekends. Because expert consultants are not always immediately available within the hospital, initial trauma resuscitation is provided by emergency room physicians. Accordingly, 75% of trauma deaths occur in hospital with 65% of those dying within six hours of reaching the hospital alive. Compared to a similar sized North American population the death to injury ratio is at least doubled. The beneficial impact of the ATLS program in Third World countries is assured if ATLS quality control is maintained and can be assessed, as outlined, by comparing pre ATLS with post ATLS data.